This Week
The independent source for health policy research, polling, and news.
From Drew Altman: There Are Many MAHAs
In a new column, Dr. Drew Altman, Founding President and CEO, dissects the MAHA “movement.” He writes: “There appear to be many MAHAs, not one. You can care about pesticides, or food additives, or vaccines, or child health, or corporate influence, or all of the above, to varying degrees. The reason so many Americans say they support MAHA when asked in polls is that, like a restaurant with a large menu, there is something in it for many Americans to select. But, the one thing they care about most—their health care costs—isn’t on the menu.”
MAHA Health Concerns Resonate Broadly but Lag Behind Health Care Costs Even for MAHA Voters
This KFF Health Tracking Pollfinds that the cost of health care is a more prominent focus for Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) voters than issues like food and vaccine policy. Four in 10 MAHA voters (42%) choose lowering health costs as the most important health priority, outranking other MAHA priorities.
New Podcast Episode: What AI Can Do — And What It Can’t
The data is good enough, the technology is getting better, the computing is becoming more available, and the use cases are getting clearer—but is AI truly a revolutionary technological advancement for health care? With a 30-year perspective on what digital technology has done and failed to do in health care, Dr. John Halamka, President of the Mayo Clinic Platform, joins Chip Kahn, KFF’s host and senior visiting fellow, in a conversation about whether AI is actually disruptive or another wave of incremental change.Subscribe & Listen
Regulation of AI in Prior Authorization and Claims Review: A Look at Federal and State Consumer Protections
Amid the growing use of AI in the claims review cycle, this brief explores the types of consumer protections for use of AI in prior authorization and claims review, describes the Trump administration’s general approach to AI, and highlights areas to watch as Congress considers AI legislation.
Trump Promised Cheaper Drugs. Some Prices Dropped. Many Others Shot Up.
Since his second term started, President Donald Trump has announced, negotiated, or floated a flurry of initiatives aimed at taming the excesses of the pharmaceutical industry. However, the share of Americans his policies will likely help remains slim, even if some patients do come out ahead.
Question of the Week
Last week, 40% of readers answered correctly that seven states reported plans to implement work requirements before January 2027, or to adopt more restrictive compliance verification policies than required by law.
What percentage of voters say health costs will have a “major impact” on who they vote for in November?
See how many readers answered correctly in the next edition of This Week.
Health News
In California Governor Race, Single-Payer Is a Litmus Test. There’s Still No Way To Pay for It.
That Discount at the Pharmacy Counter May Pack Hidden Costs
What the Health? Abortion Pill Politics
HHS’ Healthy Food Agenda Puts Hospitals on Notice About Patients’ Meals
A New Medicare Option for Weight Loss Drugs: What Older Americans Should Know
Trump’s Drug Strategy Aims To Bolster Addiction Services — Despite Gutting of Government Support
States Eye Aid To Prop Up Distressed Hospitals Amid Federal Medicaid Cuts
More on Health Policy
A Look at the GENEROUS Model and the Potential Impact on Medicaid Drug Costs
Louisiana v. FDA: Access to Mifepristone Back at the Supreme Court
Litigation Involving Reproductive Health and Rights in the Federal Courts
Status of State Medicaid Expansion Decisions